We recently had the chance to connect with John Ball and have shared our conversation below.
Hi John, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Who are you learning from right now?
I’m constantly learning from—and being inspired by—my clients. One of the coolest things about what we do is getting an up close, inside view of all the businesses and organizations we work with, and getting to know the people that make them go. There is something to learn from each and every one of them!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the principal and creative director of MiresBall, a brand design and creative agency with a deep roots in San Diego going back to the mid 1980’s!
Our team works with clients to help them tell their stories and to stand out in the marketplace. Over the years we’ve worked with some of San Diego’s most beloved names, from Rubio’s to The Old Globe to the Comic-Con Museum—as well as iconic global brands like Intel, Sega, and Shure.
One of the fun things has been to see our work in the wild all over the world—including Japan, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
At one of my first jobs as a graphic designer, my boss had a saying: “don’t bring me problems, bring me solutions”. I learned from him the value of doing things right and holding on to a high standard—but also finding joy in the work we do.
I also worked for someone in New York for a couple years who really stressed the importance of clear, concise communication with clients, which has served me well.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
In my first week at my first job, I screwed up on something that cost the company a bit of money and thought “maybe I’m not cut our for this line of work, I should go back to waiting tables”. That was over 40 years ago—I definitely didn’t give up!
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
My team. Our work is very collaborative, and very much the product of the best each of us has to offer. When all is said and done, it’s often hard to know where the ideas came from.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
Probably the steady hand at the wheel that comes from many years of experience. It builds a lot of trust. One client recently said to me “we can tell it’s not your first rodeo”.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://miresball.com
- Instagram: @miresball
- Linkedin: @miresball
Image Credits
Portrait: Stacy Keck
